The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology, commonly referred to as simply the Alliance, is a cooperative group of researchers and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving the treatment and outcomes for patients with cancer. The Alliance conducts clinical trials to test new therapies and treatment approaches for a variety of cancers, with the ultimate goal of advancing cancer care and finding cures for the disease.
The Alliance was founded in 2010 as a result of the merger of three separate cancer research groups: the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB), the North Central Cancer Treatment Group (NCCTG), and the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG). These groups had a long history of conducting cancer research and clinical trials dating back several decades.
CALGB was founded in 1955 as a network of cancer treatment centers focused on conducting clinical trials to test new therapies for cancer. Over the years, CALGB became a leading force in cancer research, conducting landmark trials that helped to establish standard treatments for several types of cancer.
NCCTG was founded in 1977 as a cooperative group of cancer treatment centers in the northern central region of the United States. Like CALGB, NCCTG conducted clinical trials to test new therapies for cancer, with a focus on developing new treatments for rare and uncommon cancers.
ACOSOG was founded in 1995 as a research group focused on improving the surgical treatment of cancer. The group conducted clinical trials to test new surgical techniques and approaches to cancer treatment, and also conducted research on the impact of cancer surgery on patient quality of life.
In 2005, the three groups formed a partnership called the Cancer Trials Support Unit (CTSU), which was designed to provide support for clinical trials across the United States. The CTSU provided logistical support for clinical trials, including patient recruitment, data management, and quality control.
Following the success of the CTSU partnership, the three groups decided to merge in 2010 to form the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology. The new organization brought together the expertise and resources of each group, and allowed for more efficient and coordinated cancer research efforts.
Since its formation, the Alliance has conducted dozens of clinical trials across a wide range of cancer types, including breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and many others. The organization has also focused on developing new approaches to cancer treatment, such as precision medicine and immunotherapy.
In addition to its research efforts, the Alliance is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in cancer research. The organization has established several initiatives to promote the participation of underrepresented groups in clinical trials, including the Minority-Underserved NCORP Research Base and the Community Oncology Alliance Research Program.
Overall, the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology represents a collaborative and innovative approach to cancer research and treatment. Through its clinical trials and other initiatives, the Alliance is working to improve the lives of cancer patients and families across the United States and around the world.
The website for the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is www.allianceforclinicaltrialsinoncology.org. This website provides information on the organization’s research and clinical trial initiatives, as well as resources for patients, healthcare providers, and researchers. It also includes information on how to join the Alliance as a member institution or individual researcher.